28 DAY TOUR STARTS 24 MAY 2024

This is a very special tour focusing on some of the most charming off the beaten track places in Italy. See our full list of excursions.
Our hotels are centrally located and there is no need to walk behind a guide with a flag from one cathedral to the next one. Before departure we provide a comprehensive kit of maps and information to maximize your personal freedom.
We also provide daily briefings about the places we visit. On that basis you can then decide your priorities as all the main highlights are within walking distance from the hotels or parking places.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

• Nine gastronomic dinners with 1/4 bottle of wine and 1/2 bottle of mineral water included.
• Three and four star hotel accommodation (bed and breakfast). Some hotels are set in scenic positions and offer excellent sweeping views.
• Modern air conditioned mini coach with English speaking tour manager.
• A wide range of local excursions available daily from all the major centres of the itinerary.
• These tours, provided at no extra cost, are on optional basis.
• Ferry boat to Maggiore Island at Lake Trasimeno.

AT YOUR OWN COST

• Meals, other than those included in the package. Optional group dinners in picturesque restaurants will be arranged at special reduced prices.
• Entry tickets into: museums, palaces, fortresses and castles.
• Cable cars
• Single accommodation supplement.
• Travel Insurance.

PROGRAM

Fri 24 May 10.00 – Departure from Rome International Airport to Fermo (Marche Region). This is mostly a freeway drive. Stops will be made en route for refreshments and lunch.
16.30 – Arrival in Fermo.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sat 25 May 08.30 – Morning briefing (with map provided) outlining the main highlights of Fermo, a small medieval town set on top of a panoramic hill (at 320m), boasting sweeping views of the picturesque countryside of the Marche Region. Full day at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Sun 26 May 08.30 – Full day scenic drive throughout the central part of the Marche Region.
10.30 – Stop at Montefalcone, set on a cliff with sweeping views of the Marche countryside. Continuation to the spectacular Presta Pass (at 1,500m) and on to the National Park of Monti Sibillini with brief stop at Castelluccio. Lunch at panoramic chalet (at 1,490m) in the National Park. Then we continue to the coastline where we join a major freeway all the way to the outskirts of Fermo.
17.00 – Arrival in Fermo
19.30 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Mon 27 May 08.30 – Departure for a scenic drive throughout a lush hilly countryside, heading for Moresco, a picturesque small village, boasting a pristine historic architecture.
09.30 – Arrival at the village and local visit.

Continuation to the Adriatic coast, heading north towards Mount Conero promontory, which plunges into the sea quite steeply, originating a spectacular coastline. We end up in Portonovo, in beautiful setting, near an old Napoleon’s Fortress. After local lunch by the seaside, we continue to a charming location, where an historic monastery also features a panoramic bar with a terrace, to enjoy a cup of tea or ice cream in a delightful spot.
17.00 – Arrival in Fermo.
19.00 – Optional dinner at the hotel.

Tue 28 May 08.30 – Departure for Ferrara, a UNESCO World Heritage City, graced by a beautiful 16th century castle, surrounded by a moat and drawbridge. Our initial drive is along a coastal freeway heading north near Fano where we turn west to join a series of country roads in the northern part of the Marche Region until we reach the historic village of Frontino, set on a panoramic peak at 500m and still surrounded by pristine medieval walls. Lunch stop in a nearby country restaurant. Continuation across the Appennini Mountain Range to join a freeway to Ravenna and on to Ferrara.
17.30 – Arrival in Ferrara.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Wed 29 May 08.30 – Ferrara. Morning briefing ( with map provided ) covering the main highlights of this historic city. Full day at leisure.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 30 May 08.30 – Departure for the village of Mesola, boasting an historic castle right on the water edge of one of the branches of the River Po Delta system. The River Po is the longest in Italy.
10.30 – Arrival at the Castle of Mesola and local visit. Continuation into the Delta of the River Po which, before ending into the Adriatic Sea, splits into multiple branches, originating an intricate maze of waterways, dotted with small lush islands. Stop for lunch in picturesque setting on the water edge of one the Po waterways. From the restaurant site, an amazing walking path goes through a lush vegetation, crossing onto small islands connected by tiny pedestrian bridges. After this local sightseeing walk we return to Ferrara.
16.30 – Arrival in Ferrara.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 31 May 08.30 – Departure for Tolmezzo, nicknamed as the “Capital of the Eastern Alps“.
The first part of our drive is along a freeway where we stop for refreshment. The second part is along a scenic road with lunch stop on the banks of Lake Barcis, surrounded by pristine alpine peaks. We then continue to Tolmezzo, along more scenic roads with an intermediate stop at San Daniele (famous for its quality prosciutto), where in a colourful outlet you will be able to taste a sample of it with some local snacks.
17.00 – Arrival in Tolmezzo.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Sat 01 June 08.30 – Departure for a scenic drive across the Eastern Alps to the village of Collina, set at 1,250m in spectacular location at the foot of the highest peaks in the Eastern Alps, reaching almost 3,000m. Local sightseeing and return to Tolmezzo by lunch time.

15.00 – Optional visit to the Museum of the Eastern Alps, near the hotel in Tolmezzo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 02 June 08.30 – Scenic drive to the east-end of the Eastern Alps.
09.30 – Stop at the village of Valbruna and continuation to the end of the local valley for a brief walk to a scenic look-out.

From Valbruna we proceed further east to the spectacular Lake Fusine Inferiore where we stop for lunch in scenic chalet on the banks of the lake. Then we continue on a very short drive to Lake Fusine Superiore.

Then we back track a few km to the foot of Mount Lussari. A local cable car climbs to the top of the mountain (at 1,790m) to reach a tiny village boasting splendid views of the surrounding peaks, ranging from 2,400 to 2,700m of altitude. Return to Tolmezzo.
17.00 – Arrival in Tolmezzo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Mon 03 June 08.30 – Spectacular circuit of the west-end of the Eastern Alps with a few en route stops. Lunch is in a picturesque alpine chalet boasting local specialties.

After lunch we stop at a high altitude “malga“ set at 1,750m. The word malga stands for Alpine Cattle Station which operates in summer on green alpine pastures. At the malga you can enjoy the local artisan products.

Continuation to the alpine village of Pesariis featuring a variety of water operated clocks along its alleys.
17.00 – Arrival in Tolmezzo
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 04 June 08.30 – Departure for Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage historic town. It was the ancient capital of the Longobard Dukedom in the north east of Italy
10.30 – Arrival in Cividale del Friuli. Local sightseeing.

13.00 – Departure from Cividale del Friuli for the Collio District, the best wine production area of the region. After a brief stop at Rocca Bernarda, surrounded by hills and vineyards, we proceed, on a scenic road, to a winery where you can enjoy a glass of wine with a local snack.
17.30 – Arrival in Tolmezzo.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 05 June 08.30 – Departure for Alleghe, set at 1,000 m. amongst the highest peaks (around 3,000m) of the Dolomite Mountain Range. It is graced by a beautiful small lake. This drive is across lovely alpine scenery with a few passes before reaching Alleghe. Stops will be made en route for refreshments and lunch.
16.00 – Arrival in Alleghe.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Thu 06 Jun 08.30 – Spectacular scenic drive to the Falzarego Pass at 2,105 m. A local cable car can take you up to Mount Lagazuoi at 2,732m where a panoramic chalet boasts sweeping views of the Dolomites. Then we drive downhill to Cortina d’ Ampezzo (at 1,200m), the most famous resort in the Dolomites. Sightseeing in Cortina and time for lunch.

13.00 – Departure from Cortina for a short drive (half an hour) to Lake Misurina set at 1,800m at the foot of the “Three Peaks of Lavaredo“, one of the most famous hallmarks of the Dolomites. Local sightseeing and brief scenic walk. Then we return to Alleghe via another spectacular pass : the Giau Pass at 2,235m. From this pass it’s downhill all the way to Alleghe.
17.30 – Arrival at Alleghe.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Fri 07 June 08.30 – Spectacular circuit of the Dolomites district, north of Alleghe. First we climb to the Fedaia Pass at 2,050m. At the pass we stop for refreshment in a typical alpine chalet on the banks of a small lake. We continue downhill to the resort of Canazei (at 1.450m) where we climb again to the Sella Pass at 2,218 m.

From the Sella Pass we gradually descend to the village of Colfosco (at 1,650 m) where we stop for lunch. After another relatively mild pass (Pass of Campolongo at 870m) we finally descend to Alleghe.
17.30 – Arrival in Alleghe.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sat 08 June 08.30 – Panoramic circuit of the Dolomites, south west of Alleghe. After going through the small town of Falcade, we climb to the scenic Pass of Valles at 2,033m.

From the pass we descend to Bellamonte (at 1,370m), a beautiful Dolomitic village where we stop for refreshment and sightseeing. Then we continue to the Fassa Valley, flanked by Dolomitic peaks until we turn into the very scenic San Pellegrino Pass at 1,920 m. Along this road we stop for lunch in a splendid chalet surrounded by high Dolomitic peaks. From the San Pellegrino Pass we descend to the town of Falcade and back to Alleghe.
16.00 – Arrival back in Alleghe.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Sun 09 June 08.30 – Departure for Santo Stefano d’ Aveto (at 1,000m) in a scenic location
of the Appennini Liguri Mountain Range. After leaving the Alps, this drive is mostly on a freeway until Piacenza, where we turn into a country and mountain road all the way to Santo Stefano d’ Aveto. Stops will be made en route for refreshment and lunch.
17.00 – Arrival in Santo Stefano d’ Aveto.
19.30 – Dinner at the hotel (included).

Mon 10 June 09.00 – Scenic drive across the Appennini Liguri, north of Santo Stefano to the small town of Verasca, set in panoramic position at 457m. The winding picturesque road to get there also involves a climb to the Pass of Pellizzone (at 1.030m) before descending to Vernasca.
11.30 – Arrival in Vernasca. Local sightseeing and time for lunch.
13.00 – Departure from Vernasca backtracking to Bardi (at 625m), an historic town boasting one of the most impressive fortresses ever built in Italy, set on a cliff in splendid position. After visiting the town and its fortress we return to Santo Stefano d’ Aveto.
17.00 – Arrival in Santo Stefano d’ Aveto.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 11 June 09.00 – Departure for Sestri Levante, a picturesque resort of the Italian Riviera. This is a scenic drive across the Appennini Mountain Range. First we climb to the Pass of Tomarlo (at 1,485m); then to the Pass of Cento Croci (at 1,055m) before descending to sea level. Along the route we stop for refreshment at Varese Ligure, renowned for its colourful architecture.
11.30 – Arrival in Sestri Levante. Time at leisure in this beautiful resort.
15.00 – Departure from Sestri Levante.
17.30 – Arrival in Santo Stefano d’ Aveto.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 12 June 09.00 – Departure for Passignano, a resort on the banks of Lake Trasimeno. After a couple of hours drive along picturesque country/mountain roads, we join a major freeway at Pontremoli and continue along freeways all the way to Passignano. Stops will be made en route for refreshment and lunch.
17.00 – Arrival in Passignano.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Thu 13 Jun 08.30 – Morning at leisure in Passignano.

14.00 – Ferry boat to Maggiore Island, renowned for its ancient village in picturesque setting.
16.30 – Departure from Maggiore Island.
17.00 – Arrival in Passignano.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Fri 14 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive throughout the very picturesque countryside of the Chianti district of Tuscany. Our first stop is at the outstanding Brolio Castle, set on top of a hill (at 500m) with sweeping views of a lovely countryside. The visit will be followed by a complimentary wine tasting.

Then we continue our drive to the charming village of Castellina in Chianti for some time at leisure and lunch. Our final stop is at Badia di Coltibuono: an ancient monastery now converted into a small boutique-hotel with annexed bar and restaurant.
17.30 – Arrival in Passignano.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sat 15 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Cortona, one of the most prominent towns in Tuscany, rich in art and architecture, located in panoramic position on a slope overlooking the valley of Chiana.
09.30 – Arrival in Cortona. Local sightseeing.
13.00 – Return to Passignano.
15.00 – Departure for Castiglione del Lago, set on a promontory overlooking Lake Trasimeno. This heritage town is renowned for its Ducal Palace connected to a fortress located high up on the very tip of the promontory.
15.30 – Arrival. Local sightseeing and visit to the Ducal Palace and its fortress.
17.00 – Return to Passignano.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Sun 16 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Rieti, set at 400 m. in a beautiful valley of the Lazio Region. Our drive is mostly along a freeway, except for the last 50 km.
12.30 – Arrival in Rieti.

15.00 – Scenic drive on the slopes of Mount Terminillo to the resort of Pian de Valli (at 1,600m),a tourist complex set in panoramic position overlooking Rieti and its valley. Local scenic walk and time for refreshment. Then we drive back to Rieti.
19.30 – Dinner in local restaurant (included).

Mon 17 Jun 08.30 – Sightseeing in Rieti with map and info provided.

14.00 – Short scenic drive (about 45 minutes) to Lake Piediluco in picturesque setting, amongst unspoilt green hills. Relax and enjoy by the lake side which boasts a small promenade with good facilities.
16.00 – Departure from Piediluco and return to Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Tue 18 Jun 08.30 – Panoramic circuit across the Appennini Mountain Range from the Lazio Region to the Abruzzo Region. We start with a scenic drive from Rieti to the National Park of Mount Gran Sasso (peak of 3,000m). Then we continue to a mountain chalet where we stop for lunch.

After that we proceed along a premium scenic road to another major highlight of the National Park: Lake Campotosto (at 1,400m) and its lake side village. We then return to Rieti.
17.00 – Arrival in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Wed 19 Jun 08.30 – Scenic drive across the Appennini Mountain Range to Norcia, a small picturesque medieval town (at 600m) in the National Park of Mounts Sibillini in a lush green valley. Norcia prides itself for its gastronomic traditions. It’s renowned for its black truffles and offers a wide range of truffle based dishes. Local sightseeing with map and info provided.
13.30 – Departure from Norcia.
15.30 – Arrival in Rieti.
19.30 – Optional dinner.

Thu 20 Jun 08.30 – Departure for Rome Airport.
12.30 – Arrival at the International Terminal.

HOTELS

We believe that you are entitled to know exactly what you get for your money and that’s why we clearly state not only the number of stars but also the location of the hotels we use.

Unless you are in a rush tour, where you get to the hotel late at night and leave early morning, we do believe that a good location makes a world of difference to the quality of your holiday.